Weaving together various observations and musings -- usually pertaining to aspects of Hong Kong (life) but sometimes beyond.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Cologne's charms beyond its cathedral and museums (Photo-essay)

If not for the lack of crowds in Hirschhorn and Speyer, I would not have visited Cologne. This is because, after witnessing my genuine surprise -- shock, even -- at how few people we encountered on the streets of that picturesque village and historic town, my German friend and I decided that my holiday in her home country should include a couple of days spent in a large city. And we figured that Cologne, the fourth largest city in Germany with a population of close to 1 million, fitted that bill as well as had certain attractions that would appeal to the culture vulture within us.

As I trust that my most recent photo-essay showed, I was very impressed indeed by Cologne's cathedral. Additionally, I trust that a read of this entry about German museums visited will provide proof that I consider at least one of the city's museums to be, along with the cathedral, to be among the country's -- not just city's -- great cultural jewels. But there's quite a bit more to Cologne than its awe-inspiring cathedral and superb museums... and I hope that the following photo-essay will help give a taste of its other charms:-

I did go inside the store -- which turned out to have other things besides Hello Kitty products. But, yes, all the Hello Kittys in it -- and that I saw in Germany, in fact -- were pinkish! So didn't buy any German Hello Kittys for myself -- and no, Ponyo had no need to feel jealous. :D